Written answers

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Diplomatic Representations

9:00 pm

Photo of Seán Ó FearghaílSeán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contacts that he has had with the Israeli authorities and the engagement he has been involved in with his European counterparts with regards to the humanitarian aid flotilla journeying to Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have previously made clear that, while I have every respect and sympathy for the motives of those involved, I could not support citizens engaging in actions where there is a real risk of harm or injury, in this case by attempting to break a naval blockade. I understand the ships intending to form up into a new flotilla may put to sea shortly, including an Irish owned ship and some 25 – 30 Irish citizens, and that they expect to be approaching the waters off Gaza within the next week.

In a meeting last week with the Israeli Ambassador, which covered a number of issues, I made clear in relation to the flotilla that we expected Israel to exercise all possible restraint, and that any interception would be carried out in a peaceful manner so as to ensure the safety of our citizens and other participants. I asked him to convey these views to his authorities. We have previously conveyed the same messages by diplomatic channels, and we will continue to stress these points.

Israel has indicated that it intends to avoid any repetition of the tragic events of last year. I believe the Irish participants in the flotilla are likewise committed to avoiding any use of violence, and the other participants have signalled the same intentions. I am hopeful therefore that these events may pass off without injury to anyone.

The impending flotilla has formed part of the context of EU discussions on Gaza and the Middle East in recent months, and most partners have been predominantly concerned, as are we, with the safety of their citizens. I have to say that most have also considered that the flotilla, while well intentioned, is unwise and risks heightening tensions at a time of considerable instability in the region. Partners also recognise that, as I have stated previously, sailings to Gaza can never supply more than a fraction of the routine needs of the Territory, and the only real answer is to persuade Israel to fully open the land crossing points to normal traffic. The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to do so, but regrettably, while there have been some improvements, these have so far been wholly inadequate. A real opening of the crossings to normal traffic would make enterprises such as the flotilla redundant.

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